A Cabin Conundrum [on hold]

Chapter 6 - Where's the Tension?

Chapter 6 - Where's the Tension?

I wanted to run out those doors right about now, but it would be cowardly to do so.

Therefore, I stood my ground shaking slightly for there was an awkward encounter about to approach.

Brodie was coming down the hall to my left and Ashton was bounding to catch up with me from my right.

It's like a collision course bound to happen.

"Hey, Cherry," Ashton greets as he pecks my cheek.

"Cherry?" Is all that makes it out before Brodie strolls up to us.

"Brodie! Hi, how was your first class?" I acknowledge his presence.

"Great, the teacher was, nice." He trails on as he sizes up to Ashton.

Oh no. Here it comes.

I clear my throat and mumble probably the most pathetic introduction I've ever given.

"Brodie - Ashton. Ashton - Brodie."

To my shock it's Ashton who first extends his hand following the words, "nice to meet you."

Wow, he's acting civilized. Better than what I was hoping for.

Brodie's face is settled into an unreadable stature. It's as if he's wiped all emotions off his face and all that's left is a blank canvas.

However he still grasps onto the hand in front of him and nods back, "nice to meet you too."

My brain's signals are flickering on and off like a light switch. This was nothing close to how I envisioned this scenario.

There was a hell of a lot more tension than I was expecting. My mind had spurred up a wild and fictitious tangent that would never legitimately happen.

It involved a lot more bad mouthing and physical threats.

Otherwise I'm bordering on a pleased gut feeling that refuses to link with my brain.

After fifteen seconds of uncomfortable silence only interrupted by the subtle sway of two adjoined hands, I expand on my previous measly attempt at a "humble" welcoming.

"Brodie is new here this year. He's the one I was talking about," I nudge Ash with my elbow.

"Fresh from California," the newbie adds.

Ashton shakes his head, "and what is a Cali boy doing here in the grand old, free country next door?"

"Getting a clean slate; thought we'd try something new," he answers vaguely.

"I see," says Ashton.

Right when we're all just nodding and smiling along I feel something tug at my sleeve resting at my side.

Oh yeah! There's another person with us!

"By the way, this is Crystal." I gesture over to the girl on my left.

Brodie blinks out of a faze and finally looks over at Crys.

"Sorry! Nice to meet you." He shakes her hand smiling apologetically.

"Crystal. Best friend extraordinaire," she lavishes her introduction. Sugar coating it that is.

He smiles in return.

I loved that smile.

I mean, that I used to.

But I've changed, he's changed, the situation has changed.